Air Conditioning Noises and What They Mean

An air conditioner, just like other appliances, would run smoothly until it reaches the maximum wear it can tolerate. When certain parts wear, air conditioners tend to work less efficiently and make unusual noises. Regular maintenance helps prolong the life span of air conditioner units and prevents more problems from occurring. However, if troubles appear in your AC, you can try to troubleshoot the problem or call for an air conditioning repair service. Unusual noises coming from the AC are the most obvious signals that people can observe. These sounds reveal the potential causes of the problem, which make the diagnosing process much easier. Here is a list of common AC noises, their causes, and solutions that would give you insights on which part would need repair or replacement.

1. Squealing/Screeching

Squealing or screeching noises are usually from misaligned or loose belts in the blower pulley. These problems occur as the rubber belt wears and tears through the constant use of the air conditioner. You can visually check for cracks and wear on the belt. If visible cracks are found, call a technician and have it replaced. Aside from the belt, the squealing noises may also come from worn bearings found inside the compressor, blower motor, or the fan. Metal to metal contact inside the component creates these screeching noises. Bearings are used as a support to rotating parts, which lessens metal wear and friction, but due to the continuous rotational force, bearings get worn out and need to be overhauled and replaced. To fix this problem, observe proper procedure on removing the bearing, or you can seek a professional air conditioning repair service to make sure that other parts won’t suffer additional damage.

2. Buzzing

Buzzing sounds from the AC unit might have different possible causes. It might mean that you have loose electrical wiring that allows the current to go off from its intended direction and cause a spark (also called arcing). Have your electrical lines checked. Another cause might be a faulty condenser coil, which is also an electrical component. The buzzing sound may also come from the insides of the compressor, blower, or fan. It means that some parts inside the component have become loose and touch other areas.

3. Hissing

An air conditioning system involves the circulation of pressurized liquid that turns to gas and vice versa.  Due to constant pressure, the copper lines which carry the refrigerant are susceptible to leakage, and result in a hissing sound. A bubble test is used for leaks. When leaking parts are found, it needs to be repaired or replaced. Hissing sounds can also come from faulty internal compression valves since the compressor pumps the pressure in the AC system. If not the valves, the problem might be a leak from the compressor itself. Do not use your AC unit if this happens, as it may potentially worsen the condition of the compressor. Call an air conditioner technician to properly troubleshoot the problem.

4. Banging/Clanking

This could be a serious problem since clanking sounds are usually from metal parts that have come loose or broken. Metal parts in the air conditioning system include pistons, connecting rods, and cylinders – all found inside the compressor. You need to have the compressor repaired or replaced by a professional. Clanking noises might also come from loose bolts and nuts or displaced motor mounts. These are easily solved by tightening.

5. Humming

A soft humming sound is normal in air conditioning units. However, any louder humming than the usual signals a problem. It can be caused by loose parts that rattle and create vibrations. Humming sounds might also indicate an electrical problem that needs to be checked and fixed. Humming can also be caused by a faulty compressor. If this is the problem, you can observe that AC refuses to start. It signals a problem with the motor. Though the humming sound can be internal, it may also be caused by loose electrical wiring.

6. Clicking

Clicking sounds are normal during the start-up and shutdown of the AC unit. But, persistent clicking sounds should not be ignored. The severity of the problem depends on the pattern of the clicking. If the clicking sound starts off as slow but eventually gets closer and faster, the problem could be found in the fan. The fan hits something that obstructs its rotation and produces a clicking sound. Check the AC fan and remove any visible obstructions. Electrical wirings can be another problem. It signifies trouble in your thermostat and needs to be repaired. If not, it could be the compressor or the capacitor. These noises created by AC units, as what was discussed above, result from different causes. Proper and professional troubleshooting is advised to lessen potential damage, especially when the problems include delicate motors, electrical wirings, and internal parts. An air conditioning repair service is recommended instead of doing a trial-and-error on your own. Pinpointing the real problem could save you much money compared to doing it yourself or hiring somebody that “claims” he can do it. Look for a professional that could finish the job fast and efficiently. Air Repair Pros services technicians are well-equipped and skilled enough to do all air conditioning jobs in your home. They are experienced in troubleshooting and do standardized procedures in fixing your air conditioning units. If you have an AC to be repaired, you can visit them on their website, airrepairpros.com. Their main office is located in Frisco, Texas, and also serves other nearby cities.